Medical Coder in Maryland

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$59,140

trending_up +17.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering

2,810

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$399

Licensing fees

route How to become a medical coder in Maryland

To become a medical coder in Maryland, individuals must obtain national certification from organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), as there is no state-level licensing. While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum education, most employers prefer candidates with a certificate or associate degree in medical coding. Key steps include completing an educational program, passing a certification exam (e.g., AAPC's CPC exam, which costs $399), and maintaining certification through continuing education units (36 CEUs every two years for AAPC CPC).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,740

25th percentile $47,800

50th (median) $59,140

75th percentile $75,410

90th (experienced) $107,870

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maryland. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body
State license	Not required
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Maryland. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Most employers require AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS/CCA certification. HIPAA training is also required. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement, though most successful medical coders complete a certificate or associate degree program. Some programs may have prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, and digital technology. Background checks are typically required by employers. Remote medical coding positions are widely available, allowing coders certified in any state to work for employers nationwide.

Source: No state-level licensing body

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,200

Nationwide per year

Total employment

194,800

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.1%)

psychology

Wondering if a medical coder career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a medical coder in Maryland? expand_more

To become a medical coder in Maryland, contact the state licensing board for requirements.

Do I need a license to work as a medical coder in Maryland? expand_more

medical coders in Maryland are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Maryland. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Most employers require AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS/CCA certification. HIPAA training is also required. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement, though most successful medical coders complete a certificate or associate degree program. Some programs may have prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, and digital technology. Background checks are typically required by employers. Remote medical coding positions are widely available, allowing coders certified in any state to work for employers nationwide.

How much do medical coders make in Maryland? expand_more

In Maryland, the median pay for medical coders comes to $59,140/year. — 18% higher than the $50,250 national figure. The range spans from $40,740 at the entry level to $107,870 for top earners.

How expensive is medical coder licensing in Maryland? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($399) and required training.

How many CE hours do medical coders need in Maryland? expand_more

To keep your license active, Maryland mandates 36.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.